The Indian tricolour is unfurled on Republic Day, not hoisted: What’s the difference?
Today, on 26th January 2023, India commemorates its 74th Republic Day, a significant milestone in the nation’s history of independence. As we all know, the country gained its freedom from the British colonial rule on 15th August 1947. However, it was three years later that it became a Sovereign, Democratic and Republic state when the Indian constitution was formally introduced on 26th January 1950. In fact, it was on that day that the nation achieved ‘Purna Swaraj’ or ‘Complete Independence.’
Every year, on the gracious occasion of Republic Day, notable dignitaries from across the country as well as the common people unite to observe the day that kickstarts with the unfurling of the Indian tricolour, our very own ‘tiranga.’ Yes, on the Republic Day, it is unfurled, not hoisted, like on the Independence Day.
Hoisting vs. Unfurling
Well, what’s the difference between hoisting and unfurling? Hoisting refers to raising a flag up a flagpole using a halyard (kind of special rope used to move a flag around). As part of the hoisting, a flag is first tied to the halyard and then pulled up to the top of the mast. On the other hand, unfurling of a flag refers to releasing of a flag that is already folded up at the top. This too is done by tying the flag to a halyard and then pulling on it gently to unroll it.
Who unfurls the flag on the Republic Day?
The national flag is unfurled on the Republic Day by the President of India at the Kartavya Path, formerly known as Rajpath. As part of the ceremony, the tricolour is tied as a bundle along with flowers on top of the flagpole, which is then unrolled by the President. This act of unfurling the flag symbolises that India was already a free nation, having celebrated its Independence Day prior to its first Republic Day. It also represents the formal adoption of the Indian constitution and its declaration of being a Sovereign, Democratic and Republic state.
On the other hand, the Independence Day sees the tricolour being hoisted by the Prime Minister of India at the Red Fort. This act symbolises the independent status of the nation. Historians say that back in 1947, it represented the emergence of a brand-new nation, having attained freedom from oppressive colonial rule. The ritual includes tying of the national flag at the lower end of the flagpole, which is raised by the Prime Minister.
Are you wondering why two different heads hoist and unfurl the national flag on these two most crucial days of the nation? Well, there’s a valid reason behind it. Usually, it is the responsibility of the head of state to do both, the President in case of India. But during India’s first Independence Day celebration, our country had no official President. Instead, a similar position was served by Lord Mountbatten. He was the Governor General of India back then. However, the Indians didn’t trust a coloniser with the independent nations’ maiden flag hoisting. But India did have its first Prime Minister then. Thus, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru hoisted the flag on the first Independence Day.
On the other hand, Dr. Rajendra Prasad was appointed as the first President of India ahead of the first Republic Day on 26th January 1950. So, he was entrusted with the responsibility of unfurling the tricolour on that auspicious day. Since then, the respective traditions have continued to honour India’s glorious history.